MPs weigh in on Site C approval

The Conservative MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies is praising the B.C. government’s decision to proceed with the Site C hydroelectric dam while the NDP MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley says the project is mess created by the former B.C. Liberal government and current Liberal federal government.

“It’s encouraging to hear that the B.C. government has decided to proceed with this important project,” said Conservative MP Bob Zimmer in a press release. “Site C will continue to have a positive economic impact on our local economy through the jobs created, the growth of our local businesses and the overall sense of confidence in our community.”

Premier John Horgan announced this morning that the $10.7 billion project would proceed, suggesting that it was past the point of no return. Cancelling the project would cost the province approximately $4 billion.

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen

“The Liberals chose to begin construction two years ago which led to this outcome,” said NDP MP Nathan Cullen. “The NDP has always opposed Justin Trudeau’s decision to approve the construction of Site C due to lack of social licence and lack of a proper environmental assessment.”

The federal government approved the construction of Site C without taking into consideration the concerns of experts, local communities and Indigenous communities, said Cullen.

In a permitting document issued without fanfare late on a Friday of the August long weekend in 2016, Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans authorized B.C. Hydro to move ahead with Site C.

“We will continue to work with all those affected to ensure that federal fisheries, environment and First Nations obligations are met,” said Cullen.

He added that he recognizes the very difficult position faced by the new B.C. government and that the federal NDP respects a province’s right to make decision in their own jurisdictions. Expected to open in 2024, the Site C dam project is located on the Peace River near Fort St. John in northeastern British Columbia.